As the holidays approach, people around the world are getting ready to shop for gifts to give to friends, acquaintances, and colleagues. If you are starting a business in Brazil, you may want to brush up on the gift-giving etiquette in this country. Your new business contacts may quickly become personal friends, and there are many different customs in Brazil that require you to bring a gift with you.
Christmas Gifts
Brazil is a mostly Catholic country, so Christmas gifts may be acceptable for employees and colleagues. These gifts to business associates should be done in a social setting, such as a holiday party. In Brazil, gifts are typically opened immediately, in front of the person offering the present, so do not take offense if this happens.
Good Gift Etiquette
In Brazil, it is considered bad taste to present a married woman with a gift, if you are a man. Be sure to mention that the present is from your wife or significant other, if you are male. Knives or scissors are considered bad gifts, as they symbolize your desire to cut ties with another person. Be sure to wrap gifts in bold, bright colors. Dark shades, especially black and purple, could indicate a sense of mourning, or a bad omen.
Business Gifts
If you are offering gifts to business associates, be sure to choose carefully. Expensive gifts may be considered bribery. It is also considered to be bad form to present gifts at a business meeting, so keep this in mind when deciding when to present a gift.
Starting a business in Brazil can be an exciting venture, but you should be sure to familiarize yourself with local gift-giving customs as the holiday season approaches.